Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

527. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if students studying graduate entry medicine at University College Dublin can apply and avail of scholarships; if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59084/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Fund is the funding mechanism established to implement the National Access Plan (NAP). Strand 2 of the PATH Fund provides bursaries (1916 Bursary) to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged.

I am pleased to say that my department has recently changed the criteria so that students who hold a 1916 Bursary will be deemed to have met the progression requirement and can therefore be supported through this bursary scheme, if they choose to progress to Graduate Entry Medicine.

Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

528. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review SUSI grant eligibility criteria for those studying graduate entry medicine to ensure that students can apply and avail of this grant and are not ineligible due to their course being viewed as not progressing on the National Framework of Qualifications due to the fact that the entry level for this course is level 8 and the qualification on successfully completing this course is also at level 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59085/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Entry to medicine in Irish HEIs is provided through both undergraduate and graduate entry routes. Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is oneof the pathways to study medicine. Students pursuing graduate entry medicine (GEM) programmes do so as second degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding or for student grants. However, in order to widen access to GEM programmes and give assistance towards the financial burden on each student pursuing these programmes, the fees of participating EU students are partly subsidised by the State via the Higher Education Authority (HEA). In academic year 21/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student.

I have been actively considering the range of policy and funding tools we have available to increase the supply of domestic medical graduates, which has involved considerable engagement with the medical schools and the Department of Health. On the 12th July last, I, along with the Minister for Health, announced an agreement with the Irish medical schools to increase the number of places available for EU students by 200 over the next five years. The agreement reached with the medical schools has begun with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, which will climb to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students applying through the CAO system. It increases the opportunities for students to progress to study medicine in Ireland and to help build our talent pipeline. Budget 2023 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. As part of this agreement, the state contribution for new places will increase to €14,500. For existing places, an increase in the state contribution to this level will be phased in.

The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (NAP) identifies target groups that are currently under-represented in higher education. These include entrants from socio-economic groups that have low participation in higher education who would not have considered attending higher education without such supports.The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Fund is the funding mechanise established to implement the National Access Plan (NAP).There are three strands to the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH).Strand 2 provides bursaries (1916 Bursary) to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students in the target groups under the National Access Plan. I have recently changed the rules so that students who hold a 1916 Bursary may continue their bursary if they wish to participate in Graduate Entry Medicine.

Students on graduate entry medicine courses may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. The SAF guidelines provide that students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

529. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is any further education funding that a person (details supplied) can access. [59099/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would suggest that the student you are referring to contacts the Access Office in the Higher Education Institution she is attending to see if she is eligible for supports under either or both of the Student Assistance Fund or the Fund for Students with Disabilities.

My department provides funding to publicly funded higher education institutions under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). For the current academic year the total allocation is €17.1m. This total includes the additional €8m I secured under Budget 2023 as a cost of living measure. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the SAF. The Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards the cost of their rent, childcare, transport and books/class materials etc. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. It is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) which has an annual allocation from my department totalling €7.658m provides funding to higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers.